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'Miracle' baby buried alive in Montana woods for 9 hours was saved by a deputy who heard a faint cry

Ashley May, USA TODAY
Published 5:42 a.m. MT July 10, 2018

This July 8 photo provided by the Missoula County Sheriff's Office shows a 5-month-old infant with dirt under his fingernails after authorities say the baby survived about nine hours being buried under sticks and debris in the woods.(Photo11: AP)

A 5-month-old infant who had been buried under piles of sticks and debris in Montana wilderness was miraculously found alive — at least nine hours later.

Police received reports of a man “acting strange” around Lolo Hot Springs, Montana, around 8 p.m. Saturday. As they headed to the area, more reports came in saying the man was threatening people, claiming to have a gun.

Francis Carlton Crowley, 32, had left the area by the time Missoula County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived. Even more concerning: A 5-month-old baby boy that was left in Crowley's care hadn’t been seen for several hours.

When deputies were able to locate him, police said he appeared intoxicated and made statements indicating the baby might be buried somewhere in the mountains. A host of departments, including local Search and Rescue officers as well as members of the United States Forest Service, came together to look for the missing infant.

“After more than 6 hours of searching on foot, a deputy heard the faint cry of a baby," police said in a statement. "He followed the sound and found the baby alive, face down, buried under a pile of sticks and debris.”

The baby was clothed only in a wet and soiled onesie, police said. It was about 46 degrees that night. The baby was taken to a local hospital, where authorities say he is in good condition. Sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Bassett said in a statement Monday the baby suffered only minor scrapes and bruising.

"For all of us at the sheriff's office, this is what we call a miracle," police said.

Custody of the child has been referred to the state Division of Child and Family Services.

Crowley was being held on $50,000 bail on a charge of criminal endangerment. Additional charges will follow, the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday.

This July 8 booking photo provided by the Missoula County Jail shows suspect Francis Crowley, who was being held on $50,000 bail on a charge of criminal endangerment.(Photo11: AP)

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets